A seventh grade MCPS English teacher got a $25,000 surprise on Tuesday (Nov. 29). Madeline Hanington, a teacher at Gaithersburg Middle School, received a Milken Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation, which includes a $25,000 prize that she can use however she chooses. Hanington did not even know she was up for the award when she attended an assembly Tuesday morning with Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown, interim State Superintendent of Schools Bernard J. Sadusky and other dignitaries.

Hangington was not only recognized for the outstanding achievement of her students, but also for her innovative teaching methods, her leadership in the school community and her efforts to engage and involve parents.

The following information was sent to us by Prince George's County Public Schools:

Henrique Vissotto, foreign language teacher at Laurel High School, is among 21 educators nationwide selected as Healthy Schools Program Champions by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, founded by the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation.

On Friday, November 18, Members of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Board of Governors and MCPS Superintendent Joshua P. Starr will meet with students and educators in Rockville High School’s IB Diploma Program and College Gardens Elementary School’s Primary Years Program.

G. James Gholson Middle School Celebrates School Psychology Awareness WeekNov. 14-18 • throughout the school dayG. James Gholson Middle School • 900 Nalley Road, Landover INFO: 301-883-8390Students at G. James Gholson Middle School will write “gratitude letters” to show their appreciation during School Psychology Awareness Week.